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    New type of teleconverter coming from Canon alongside a Supertelephoto zoom

    By Updated:150 Comments Canon Lens Rumors 1 Min Read

    We have been told that Canon will introduce a new type of teleconverter alongside the Canon RF 200-500mm f/4L IS, which will likely be announced in Q4 of this year, or Q1 of next year. We are still trying to nail down the timetable.

    The new teleconverter is basically a “zoom” TC. It can be set at 1.0x, 1.4x and 2x (1.5x over 1.4x is also possible). So if you have the brand new Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM or plan on picking up the Canon RF 200-500mm f/4L IS and want to add versatility to either, this will be a huge addition for your lenses.

    It won’t be cheap we have been told, although the actual price is unknown at the moment.

    We also don’t know if the new TC will be strictly for the Big White Lenses or if it will compatible with other lenses in the RF line-up.

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    150 comments

    3. Canon RF plus a mention of "It won't be cheap" will move it into the $2000+ range. At some point it will be cheaper to get a new body with more megapixels instead of a TC.
    4. Assuming that it can do 1.0x, 1.4x, and 2.0x this is a huge advantage both in terms of range and flexibility over built-in TCs. I have instructed my local camera shop to buy me this accessory immediately upon official release.
    5. the TC for people who don't like TCs - because changing is cumbersome and exposes the sensor (esp. desert, beach / seafront, snowstorm, rain)

      i'll definitely check it out!
    6. the TC for people who don't like TCs - because changing is cumbersome and exposes the sensor (esp. desert, beach / seafront, snowstorm, rain)

      i'll definitely check it out!
      Good point with regards to maintaining weather sealing while changing the magnification.
    7. Wouldn´t it be advantegeous for Canon to make it compatible with other RF-glasses as well ? At least I hope it will. Could be used with RF 70-200mm:s and hopefully also with RF 100-500mm for the whole focal length.
    9. Now we understand better why the new superzooms don't have a built-in TC.
      Who said that Canon don't innovate? Try to get similar lenses or TCs from SoniPanaNikoLeica.
    10. For me, first key will be IQ, second will be ergonomics, and third will be price. But this has a chance to really innovate my kit. I am very intrigued by the potential of this TC.
    12. Canon RF plus a mention of "It won't be cheap" will move it into the $2000+ range. At some point it will be cheaper to get a new body with more megapixels instead of a TC.
      $2K is basically what Nikon is charging extra for a built-in TC vs the same Canon lens without one.
      Here we would just be paying once for every compatible lens and getting 2 instead of one.
    13. Wouldn´t it be advantegeous for Canon to make it compatible with other RF-glasses as well ? At least I hope it will. Could be used with RF 70-200mm:s and hopefully also with RF 100-500mm for the whole focal length.
      Yes, but that might not be practical.
    15. Wouldn´t it be advantegeous for Canon to make it compatible with other RF-glasses as well ? At least I hope it will. Could be used with RF 70-200mm:s and hopefully also with RF 100-500mm for the whole focal length.
      It’s the design of the lenses that make the 70-200 incompatible and restrict the zoom range of the 100-500. I doubt that will change with a new teleconverter.
    16. It’s the design of the lenses that make the 70-200 incompatible and restrict the zoom range of the 100-500. I doubt that will change with a new teleconverter.
      It's the front-protruding optical train (inner barrel) of the existing TCs that preclude compatibility with the RF 70-200 and full compatibility with the RF 100-500. The lenses won't change, but if the new TC lacks the protruding front portion then it would be compatible with all RF lenses. I doubt Canon will do this, but it's certainly possible. The patent diagrams do not show an optical train protrusion, but that doesn't mean much.
    17. I really like the concept, if it can be executed at the right IQ. A dedicated TC has the advantage of being able to be optimized for the single lens, which presumably makes it easier to get better IQ. External TCs have always had a hit in IQ, with 2x much worse than 1.4x. The hit on IQ has reduced over the years with both lens and TC evolution. If this 3-setting external TC can have IQ comparable to the existing RF TCs then I think this is a winner.

      Having the 100-300 and 200-500 lenses ship with no TC, but having a multi-setting external TC is a much better solution. The lens is lighter (and presumably cheaper) with no TC. The multi-setting TC will be expensive but will work with (at least) two lenses and can be added for occasions where the added flexibility matters.
    18. Canon RF plus a mention of "It won't be cheap" will move it into the $2000+ range. At some point it will be cheaper to get a new body with more megapixels instead of a TC.
      Another reason why we want more and more MPIX. It really delivers flexibility big time when shooting- not least for fast primes.
    19. It's the front-protruding optical train (inner barrel) of the existing TCs that preclude compatibility with the RF 70-200 and full compatibility with the RF 100-500. The lenses won't change, but if the new TC lacks the protruding front portion then it would be compatible with all RF lenses. I doubt Canon will do this, but it's certainly possible. The patent diagrams do not show an optical train protrusion, but that doesn't mean much.
      Question: is part of the reason of having the protrusion on the current extenders mechanical stability and / or weather-proofing?
      In any case I'd be in the market for this for sure. But first I need to see some tests about the impact on image quality at all settings, especially 1x. If it works well it'd be great not having to choose among nothing / 1.4x / 2x

      So I am getting ready for a loooong wait...
      On the bad side, if this will come out this year, since Canon is probably going to count it as a new RF lens, it means that there are less chances of getting the 35 f/1.2L in 2023 :cry:

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